2021 Focus on Youth! Sailing Programs

After completing one of our four day programs students will have a full understanding of a sailing a traditional square rigged vessel and be able to row efficiently and in harmony with the elements. That's just the dry stuff we teach: everyone who participates feels they have accomplished something significant because of the skills that they learned and what they shared with among themselves.

Ideal For:

For teens who have spent the better part of a year locked inside at home, what better way for them to get 'unlocked' than to imagine themselves as ocean seafarers aboard a vessel that is designed to stimulate their senses and imagination. Teens will leave our course having made something cool happen for themselves and for each other. A truly unique experience!

Dates

Available on several dates throughout the summer. Check the below program link for dates.

Program/Itinerary

See detailed program information in the notes.

Notes

The Notes provide additional information about this program.
You can view or download the notes by clicking this link: View Notes

Learn to Sail Viking Workshop

Whether you're a novice or expert sailor, there's always an opportunity to take on a new challenge! How about this one: Let Norsvald teach you how to sail a Viking ship! Participants will enjoy a unique learning experience aboard our authentic Viking ship POLARIS in the good hands of our experienced and knowledgable instructors. Most of the action will take place on the water, in Gloucester, or weather permitting, between Gloucester Harbor and Manchester Harbor a few miles up the coast. Everyone will get to try out the various different roles aboard ship. Topics covered: Viking boat design and construction. "Old Norse" ship terms and their meanings applied to POLARIS Getting the most out of the small square rigged ship (completely different from sailing on modern sailing boats) Viking Navigation techniques and tools of the trade. Rowing proficiency (for those occasions when there's not enough wind) Ensuring safety aboard* *comfortable life vests will be provided to all passengers and must be worn at the discretion of the Captain. Emergency life vests are also aboard. Reading materials, Snacks included.

Ideal For:

A fun event for a group of friends or enthusiasts. Dress up as a Viking and check out your style!

Dates

Arranged with client pending schedule.

Program/Itinerary

09:00 introductions and overview. Safety briefing. Understanding knots used aboard Polaris. Square sails. Weather and sea conditions, winds and tide. Get to know the boat parts/lines and spars. How to rig and control the sail. On the water Leaving the dock/mooring under oars, rowing to sailing area, hoisting sail. Hands-on exercises including oar handling and commands, sail handling, basic and advanced maneuvering (tacking a square sail can be exhilarating!), heaving-to, sailing off, sailing and rowing up to moorings. 12:00 Anchor for our midday stop for lunch and discussion. Learn about the different kinds of Viking boats and the sailors who sailed them. Afternoon Session: A lot more sailing and a chance to try out different positions on the boat! Rowing back to the dock/Mooring Back ashore for debriefing at 3.30PM Our workshops will only take place with a minimum of four participants. We plan to operate rain or shine however Norsvald reserves the right to cancel / reschedule in the event of dangerous weather or too few participants (see booking info for details about our cancellation policy)

Notes

The Notes provide additional information about this program.
You can view or download the notes by clicking this link: View Notes

Private Charter

Soak up the sights and sounds of Boston's north shore! Explore the wharves and docks of Gloucester or Salem Harbor or go further afield with a trip along the coast.

Ideal For:

Small groups up to six people; great for families. No experience is needed. A minimum of four people are required to secure a booking.

Dates

We run private charters throughout the summer.

Team Building at Sea

Provide your visiting clients a memorable experience! Explore Boston’s North Shore in a way like no other, or nurture effective interdependencies among a small group of your most important leaders in a special setting. Take to sea to help your organization adopt the frame of mind to meet its next business challenge. A fun way to to turn action into self-knowledge! Aboard, the emphasis is on developing cooperation and coordination with participants learning to sail and row a Viking ship. Norsvald challenges people to step up in their role and discover their individuality and their place within a team. We offer half, full and custom programs. A customized program over multiple days allows time to accomodate larger groups, intentional programming, business meetings etc. (arranged with third party). Discussion, feedback, personal reflection and goal planning included in addition to time afloat.

Ideal For:

Immersive experience offers real-world benefits that translate from the sea to the office. An unusual physical and social environment helps those seeking insights into their leadership effectiveness. We focus on how people communicate differently and develop skills to know each other better to be more effective.

Dates

Available for booking June 1st though October 15th

Program/Itinerary

We operate from Gloucester and Salem. Every experience is a little bit different, as it’s the people you share with that really make the most of time aboard, along with the weather and the sea conditions at the time. This is a fun and authentic alternative to contrived "Corporate Team Building" events and aboard Polaris we find the things that matter. There is no job done by an individual that can work without the team behind it so we structure the day to maximize opportunities to align the motives of individuals to achieve a common purpose! Inspired by history, sailing and rowing Polaris to achieve goals strengthens relationships and holds the team accountable for their work together.